Suspicious package in Artesia turns out to be tire kit; drugs found

ARTESIA >> Federal and local authorities responded to a suspicious packaged called in as a possible explosive device in a vehicle outside Artesia Thursday afternoon.

According to Eddy County's Sheriff Scott London, sheriff deputies received a call for a possible bomb in a vehicle at the intersection of Mills Avenue and Bolton Road. Sheriffs responded within minutes and deputies from the state's bomb squad, Pecos Valley Drug Task and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also arrived on the scene. "The bomb squad determined around 4:40 p.m. that it was not a bomb," London said.

The package was determined to be a tire plug kit, London added.

Illegal drugs were found, however, an investigation is ongoing, London said. No injuries were reported.

London asks the public if they have any information related to this investigation to call Det. Tim Howard at the Artesia sheriff's office at 575-746-9888.